We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charles Hardy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Charles, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My compassionate spirit originates from the profound loss of my mother to cancer. In her final moments, she expressed her heartfelt wish for me to help rebuild the city where she grew up. Her dream inspires me to honor her memory through acts of kindness and community renewal.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My primary mission centers on addressing the needs of the ever-growing homeless population in our community. Since 2015, when I embarked on my journey into nonprofit work, I have dedicated myself to creating sustainable support systems tailored to those experiencing homelessness. Together with my Board Members, we strive to provide essential services such as housing (whenever available), nutritious food, healthcare, and mental health services, ensuring that our approach is holistic and meets the varied needs of individuals.
The name of our nonprofit, ‘1st Step,’ embodies the critical idea of taking ‘that 1st Step’ toward meaningful change in one’s life. This simple yet profound message underscores our belief in the power of personal transformation and empowerment. I consistently encourage my Board to remain open to divine guidance as we navigate the challenges ahead, trusting that we are led to make impactful decisions.
Recently, we organized a successful event called ‘Feed the Homeless’ for Thanksgiving, where we were able to serve nearly 400 unhoused individuals. This event not only provided warm meals but also fostered a sense of community among those we serve.
As part of our ongoing commitment to support our residents, we are excited to roll out new initiatives, including GED support for community members seeking to further their education, as well as Parenting Support programs designed to assist those raising children in challenging circumstances. Through these efforts, we aim to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and take meaningful steps toward a brighter future.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most crucial skill I acquired is effective communication. One cannot successfully engage with a community unless they possess the ability to communicate effectively with its members. I would advise anyone seeking to serve the community to prioritize the principle of “meeting individuals where they are.”
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I believe that my primary focus should be the individuals we serve. When you truly engage with the work at hand, observing and understanding the needs of those around you, your responsibilities naturally become aligned with their expectations and requirements. This attentive approach not only enhances the quality of your work but also fosters a deeper connection without being a part of it, ensuring that your efforts are meaningful to the community By actively listening and being present, you can tailor your act and impactful. Ions to better meet the needs of those you aim to support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1ststepinc.org
- Instagram: @1stst.ep
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/1stStepathens
- Twitter: @1stHousing
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@1ststep706?si=1fKpJP1L18m6Wbcnu
Image Credits
Charles Hardy
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
